Early models of the Wii were backward-compatible with all Nintendo GameCube games and accessories. However in late 2011, a reconfigured version of the Nintendo Wii, the "Wii Family Edition" was released. This version removed the Nintendo GameCube compatibility.[1] The same thing applies with the Wii Mini.

The Wii logo.

Although currently sold in North America, its original model has been discontinued in Europe (along with its Family Edition model) and in Japan since 20 October 2013.[2][3] As of 20 May 2014, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service has been discontinued for the Wii.[4]

Virtual Console

The Virtual Console logo.

The Virtual Console (often abbreviated as VC) is a section of the Wii Shop Channel that offers titles released on past consoles. Several Sonic the Hedgehog games were released on this service. The Wii was the first console to offer this service, with the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U later adopting the service.

Wii Mini

A smaller, redesigned model called the Wii Mini is released on 2 December 2013 in Canada,[5] 15 March 2013 in Europe and on 17 November 2013 in the US.[6] Unlike the Wii, it lacks internet connection, Nintendo GameCube backward capabilities, has only one USB Port and some features. The Wii Mini will be sold for at least US/CA$99.99.

Trivia

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I is the only Sonic game to be released as WiiWare, as its sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II was released on other consoles and not to the Wii due to the WiiWare's hardware constraints.

According to Yojiro Ogawa, a port of Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) was originally going to be released on the Wii. However, due to the differences in hardware, Sonic & the Secret Rings was made instead.[7]